Welcoming Canada’s Heroes Home
Veterans House Canada: Building supportive housing for veterans
Up to 5,000 or almost 5% of the country’s homeless population are veterans. These men and women, previously members of the Canadian Armed Forces, end up unhoused for a variety of reasons—many of which are the same as other Canadians experiencing home insecurity.
Mitigating factors
In addition, for veterans, the sudden loss of identity and community that comes from ending a service commitment and re-entering civilian life is an added factor. After active duty or service, veterans are also more likely to live with the permanent disabilities, occupational stress injuries and/or struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol according to a House of Commons committee. Mental health concerns are also prevalent.
Time for change
In 2020, after a well-supported motion in the House of Commons, Veteran’s House Canada was formed to foster brighter futures for veterans through the provision of affordable, permanent housing. These supportive housing units not only provides a community filled with military peers but also allow for shared activities and resources such as counseling, mentoring, employment and reintegration programs.
The Andy Carswell
In 2021, Veterans’ House Canada opened its first residence in Ottawa. The “house” was established on a section of the former Rockliffe Airforce base and named after Squadron Leader Andrew Carswell, AFC, CD, a Second World War Veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who was stationed at CFB Rockliffe, Ottawa, after the war.
It is a three-story building with 40 bachelor units and community spaces including an outdoor garden, a gym a library and an entertainment area. The building also offers wraparound programing for: Addiction Services, Art Therapy, Community Gardening and Horticultural Therapy, Community Outings & Residence Life, Conflict Resolution and Meditation, Employment Program and Financial Literacy, Mental Health & Transition Program, Peer Support Barbecue, Rehabilitation & Personal Trainer, Smoking Cessation, Service Dog & Pet Training, Yoga & Meditation
The Athlone House
A second Veterans House is planned for Edmonton, Alberta. The City Council Executive Committee of Edmonton approved a 1.46-acre parcel of land in Athlone, North-West Edmonton, on December 6th, 2023 with doors are expected to open in 2026.
While Veterans’ House Canada has secured 5.9 million dollars of funding from public and private funders, they are launching a local fundraising campaign to help fill the required budget gaps.
The building has a projected cost of $15 million. While there are corporate and naming sponsorship opportunities available, their ‘Brick-by-Brick’ campaign focuses on smaller family contributions at three levels ($100, $500 or $1,000) to help raise the necessary funds piece by piece.
Anjolina Rankin-West is an editorial assistant with an interest in family caregiving.
Images: Veterans House Canada
